[Mdemon]

Thanks all!  

I get the impression that a dry suit sticker isn't a legal requirement, unlike actual basic diver training, so I think HSE would be unlikely to persue a boat owner on this point in the event of an accident.  That said, I understand the caution some people have.  Traditionally, signed disclaimers are mandatory  for dangerous sports, waiving everything except negligence - I wonder if we will start to see similar here soon?

Bren, I think you're right about the safety aspect of getting training - rapid, uncontrolled ascents seem to be a big cause of the major problems.  That said, my position is a little different in that have been shown and have practiced all the techniques you describe, except the weighting stuff - and anyone reading my posts will know why that is!

So, where does this leave me?  I've done "training", have done the dives, but have no sticker.  I'm as stingy ####, and coughing up £75 for "nothing", when that's halfway to another course on something I don't know, sticks in the throat a bit.  

I think I might investigate the "drysuit orientation" further...

Cheers,

John